Buffalo Sabres have talented, experienced group at minor-league level

The Buffalo Sabres' AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, are one of the biggest beneficiaries of the NHL lockout. Though Cody Hodgson, Marcus Foligno, Brayden McNabb, and T.J. Brennan have, for the most part, been pillars for head coach Ron Rolston, the Amerks are currently sitting just out of playoff position. Hurting the Amerks is overall consistency and a lack of quality depth up front.

At times, Rolston has even been forced to dress seven defensemen. Though the Sabres have a handful of forwards in the ECHL, none have stood out enough to get recalled. Goaltending is yet another area in which the Amerks have struggled, with David Leggion in a slump and rookie Connor Knapp seeing limited action.… read more